Camshaft variable timing unlocking device, method of assembly, and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

A camshaft variable timing unlocking device for mounting to a camshaft variable timing mechanism which has internal passages in which compressed air is introduced to unlock a spring loaded lock pin. The camshaft variable timing device is than rotated counterclockwise/retard by mechanical means to any position relative to the crankshaft centerline. Accurate piston to valve clearance of both intake and exhaust valves can be checked and verified for racing and/or other high performance applications. The camshaft variable timing mechanism can be unlocked without any damage to the internal spring loaded lock pin mechanism allowing it to be reused.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/843,377 titled “CAMSHAFT VARIABLE TIMING UNLOCKING DEVICE, METHOD OF ASSEMBLY, AND USES THEREOF” filed Jul. 6, 2013.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to camshaft variable timing devices.

Camshaft variable timing devices are mechanically locked advanced in the rest/park position due to no oil pressure since the engine is in the off position and not running. In the locked position it is mechanically unattainable to retard camshaft variable timing devices.

Unlocking camshaft variable timing devices to the retard position allows piston to intake/exhaust valve clearances to be verified.

There is an unmet need to unlock camshaft variable timing devices to retard the camshaft during camshaft setup/engine building for racing and/or other high performance applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provide features for unlocking camshaft variable timing devices to retard the camshaft relative to the crankshaft position for, among other purposes, used in racing and/or other high performance applications.

The present invention comprises of a mechanical valve that is inserted into existing camshaft variable timing device mechanisms. The mechanical valve allows camshaft variable timing devices to be unlocked to the retard position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows the side and top view of a camshaft variable timing unlocking device.

FIG. 2 shows a representative side and partial see-through view of how the camshaft variable timing unlocking device operates through an internal passage within the camshaft variable timing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary related art camshaft variable timing limiting devices, methods of assembly, and uses thereof are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,291,876 B2 to Patrick, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a camshaft variable timing unlocking valve for insertion into the internal rotating portion of a camshaft variable timing mechanism. The camshaft variable timing unlocking valve 10 has internal passages. The internal passages of the camshaft variable timing unlocking valve align with the internal passages of the camshaft variable timing mechanism retard/lock pin passages. Compressed air A is introduced into the camshaft variable timing unlocking valve and flows through the internal passages exiting the valve and into the internal passages of the camshaft variable timing mechanism. Compressed air A flow is defined by the arrow directions.

FIG. 2 shows a representative partial see-through view of the camshaft variable timing unlocking valve 10 inserted into a camshaft variable timing mechanism 11. Compressed air A is introduced into the camshaft variable timing unlocking valve 10. Compressed air flows into the internal rotational passages of the camshaft variable timing mechanism unseating/unlocking the spring loaded lock pin 13. Compressed air A flow is defined by the arrow directions. The camshaft variable timing mechanism is rotated by mechanical means counterclockwise/retard B relative to the crankshaft center line C. Mechanically holding the camshaft variable timing mechanism in the counterclockwise/retard position 12 piston to valve clearance can be checked/verified for proper clearance on both the intake and exhaust valves. Piston to valve clearances of the intake and exhaust valves can be confirmed relative to any crankshaft centerline C.

Advantages of the present invention allow easy and accurate means of physically unlocking the camshaft variable timing mechanism without any damage to the internal spring loaded lock pin mechanism components. After the piston to valve clearances of the intake and exhaust valves are verified the camshaft variable timing unlocking device is removed and the engine computer controlled camshaft variable timing device valve is installed.

Example aspects of the present invention have now been described in accordance with the above advantages. It will be appreciated that these examples are merely illustrative of the invention. Many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A variable timing unlocking device for mounting to a camshaft variable timing mechanism, comprising: a flange having a central opening a flange with a hex head whereas the central opening passes a body extending from the flange having intersecting openings to the central opening a threaded section extending from the body for securing the variable unlocking device to the camshaft variable timing mechanism.
 2. The variable timing unlocking device of claim 1, wherein the threaded section mates with the engine camshaft threads.
 3. The variable timing unlocking device of claim 1, wherein the body of the variable timing unlocking device replaces the engine variable valve timing solenoid valve.
 4. The variable timing unlocking device of claim 1, wherein the body of the variable timing unlocking device replaces the engine variable valve timing actuator valve.
 5. The method of using air pressure to unlock the variable timing mechanism.
 6. The method of using any mechanical means to turn the camshaft variable timing mechanism to the retard position relative to any crankshaft position.
 7. The variable timing unlocking device of claim 1, wherein the intersecting openings of the central opening align with the internal passages of the camshaft variable timing mechanism.
 8. The variable timing unlocking device of claim 1, wherein the intersecting openings of the central opening align with the internal passages of the camshaft variable timing mechanism.
 9. The variable timing unlocking device of claim 1, wherein the intersecting openings of the central opening back feed the internal passages of the camshaft variable timing mechanism.
 10. The variable timing unlocking device of claim 1, wherein the intersecting openings of the central opening allow compressed air to flow into the internal rotational passages of the camshaft variable timing mechanism.
 11. The method of unseating and unlocking the spring loaded lock pin of the variable timing mechanism.
 12. The method of assembling a camshaft variable timing mechanism variable timing unlocking device. 